We’re so lucky living in the UK and having so many incredible destinations on our doorstep. There are hundreds of short flights from the UK and so many beautiful new places to explore!
I originally put together this list of short flights from the UK for my friend, Holly, who is a nervous flier. She hasn’t flown for years but wants to get back on a plane – but only for a short flight! So here are her options.
Whether you don’t like flying or you’re limited on time and want to squeeze as much as you can into a quick trip, here are 27 incredible places to visit that are a short flight from the UK.
1. Dublin, Ireland
Flight time: 1 hour from London
Why go? Dublin is cheerful, compact and packed with character. Explore the lively pubs and live music scene, visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and stroll along the River Liffey. Temple Bar is a must for nightlife lovers, and the city’s compact size makes it perfect for a short getaway.
Best for: Culture fans, foodies, music lovers and Guinness lovers!
Read more: An EDT to Dublin – How to spend one day in Dublin
2. Belfast, Northern Ireland
Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why go? Belfast combines history, culture and natural beauty. Visit Titanic Belfast, admire Victorian architecture and enjoy the vibrant restaurant scene. If you have extra time, you can even make a short trip to the stunning Giant’s Causeway.
Best for: History buffs, outdoorsy types, city explorers.
Read more: 7 days in Ireland: A 1 week Ireland itinerary
3. Jersey, Channel Islands
Flight time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Why go? Jersey is a delightful blend of British and French influences. Relax on sunny beaches, stroll charming harbour towns, and enjoy the island’s fresh seafood. Scenic coastal walks make it ideal for nature lovers as well. While many people will take a ferry over to Jersey, I think the short flight from the UK makes it so much easier!
Best for: Beach lovers, walkers, foodies.
Read more: A Jersey weekend itinerary
4. Guernsey, Channel Islands
Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why go? Guernsey is full of charm, with beautiful beaches, castles, and quaint villages. Its peaceful pace and scenic coastline make it perfect for a short escape.
Best for: Relaxation seekers, nature lovers, history fans.
Read more: Visiting Guernsey for a day from a cruise ship
5. Isle of Man
Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Why go? This island is full of history, nature, and unique culture. Explore medieval castles, rugged coastal paths, and the fascinating TT motorcycle racing heritage. It is perfect for travelers looking for something a little different.
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, adventure seekers.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why go? Amsterdam is a surprisingly short flight from the UK! This city is famous for its canals, cycling culture, and world-class museums. Don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House, and enjoy wandering through the charming streets on foot or bike.
Best for: Architecture buffs, museum goers, relaxed explorers.
Read more: Your weekend guide to Amsterdam
7. Rotterdam, Netherlands
Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why go? Rotterdam is modern, stylish, and less touristy than Amsterdam. Visit the Cube Houses, stroll the harborside, or explore contemporary art museums. It’s a vibrant, compact city perfect for a weekend. If you can’t get direct flights to Rotterdam, it’s really easy to hop on a train or bus from Amsterdam!
Best for: Design lovers, urban explorers, foodies.
Read more: My Rotterdam city guide: Awesome things to do in Rotterdam
8. Brussels, Belgium
Flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Why go? Brussels is famous for chocolate, beer, and beautiful architecture. Visit the Grand Place, enjoy Belgian waffles and craft beer, and explore quirky comic art murals throughout the city.
And don’t forget that you can easily hop on a train to Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. These cities are also a short flight from the UK but there are generally more flights to Brussels.
Best for: Food and drink lovers, history fans, day-trippers.
Read more: 20 things to do in Brussels
9. Bruges, Belgium
Flight time: 2 hours via nearby airports (most people will fly into Brussels and take the train)
Why go? Bruges is a medieval wonderland with cobbled streets, canals, and historic architecture. Enjoy chocolate shops, boat rides, and charming squares.
Best for: Romantic getaways, photographers, history buffs.
Read more: 10 things to do in Bruges
10. Lille, France
Flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Why go? Lille offers Flemish-inspired architecture, bustling markets, and a rich cultural scene. Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest art museums, and enjoy the charming streets of the city center.
Best for: Art lovers, foodies, history fans.
Read more: Laidback in Lille + 10 things to see in Lille
11. Strasbourg, France
Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Why go? Strasbourg combines French and German influences. Wander the picturesque Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, admire timber-framed houses, and visit Strasbourg Cathedral. Canal tours and Alsatian cuisine make it a full cultural experience.
Best for: Romantic getaways, architecture fans, foodies.
12. Paris, France
Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why go? Paris is world-famous for its art, culture, and cuisine. Visit the Eiffel Tower, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, explore Montmartre, or immerse yourself in world-class museums like the Louvre. I know lots of people will hop on the Eurostar to Paris but if you’re travelling from the north of the UK it’s usually easier to take a short flight.
Best for: Art lovers, romantics, foodies, shoppers.
Read more: 2 days in Paris: Everything you need to see and do
13. Lyon, France
Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Why go? Known as France’s culinary capital, Lyon offers delicious cuisine, Roman ruins and charming old town streets. Enjoy bouchons for traditional meals and explore cultural attractions.
Best for: Foodies, history enthusiasts, city explorers.
14. Geneva, Switzerland
Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Why go? Geneva offers stunning views of Lake Geneva, mountains, and a cosmopolitan city experience. Explore museums, stroll along the lakeside promenade, or enjoy a day trip to nearby Alpine scenery.
Best for: Nature lovers, history buffs, luxury seekers.
15. Zurich, Switzerland
Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Why go? Zurich combines a scenic lakefront, historic old town, museums, and nearby mountains. Even a short stay allows for city exploration and a taste of Swiss culture.
Best for: Nature lovers, city explorers, luxury seekers.
16. Frankfurt, Germany
Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Why go? Frankfurt offers a mix of historic and modern attractions. Visit Römer square, stroll along the riverfront, and explore modern architecture in the city center.
Best for: History lovers, foodies, urban explorers.
17. Cologne, Germany
Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Why go? Cologne Cathedral, riverfront areas, museums, and traditional Kölsch beer make this German city perfect for a weekend escape.
Best for: Culture fans, beer lovers, architecture enthusiasts.
Read more: 48 hours in Cologne
18. Antwerp, Belgium
Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why go? Antwerp is a fashion hub with a rich history. Explore the diamond district, old town, and riverside attractions.
Best for: Shoppers, history fans, architecture lovers.
19. Basel, Switzerland
Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Why go? Basel combines art, culture, and scenic river views. Visit the art museums, walk along the Rhine, and explore the historic old town.
Best for: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, city explorers.
20. Rennes, France
Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Why go? Rennes offers charming half-timbered streets, a lively market scene, and nearby access to the Brittany coast.
Best for: History fans, food lovers, casual explorers.
21. Nantes, France
Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Why go? Located on the Loire River, Nantes is full of art, history, and vibrant culture. Visit the castle, explore street art, and enjoy nearby beaches.
Best for: Culture lovers, families, history enthusiasts.
22. County Cork, Ireland
Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why go? Cork is known for its vibrant culinary scene and historic landmarks. Explore the English Market and charming city streets. Official flight time is 1 hour 15 but I’ve done it a few times and it’s always an even shorter flight from the UK!
Best for: Foodies, history fans, city explorers.
Read more: Things to do in County Cork
23. Galway, Ireland
Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Why go? Galway is a lively coastal city with arts, music, and culture. Enjoy street performances, historic streets, and nearby coastal scenery.
Best for: Culture seekers, nature lovers, music enthusiasts.
Read more: One week Ireland itinerary
24. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Flight time: OK, the flight time to Palma is a little over 2 hours but it’s so gorgeous I had to include it and it’s still a fairly short flight from the UK!
Why go? Palma offers sunny beaches, medieval streets, mountains, tapas, and nightlife. Ideal for a relaxing escape.
Best for: Beach lovers, foodies, sun seekers.
Read more: Can you have a cheap weekend to Majorca?
25. Milan, Italy (Milan & Bergamo)
Flight time: around 1 hour 50 minutes
Why go? Milan is Italy’s fashion and design capital, blending historic landmarks with modern style. Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano, browse luxury boutiques and explore world-class museums. The city is also a great base for day trips to Lake Como.
I’ve flown to Milan Bergamo before and spent the day in Bergamo rather than Milan and I didn’t regret it. Bergamo isn’t as well known but it’s gorgeous in it’s own way.
Best for: Fashion lovers, culture seekers, city explorers.
Read more: What to do in Bergamo
26. Prague, Czech Republic
Flight time: around 1 hour 55 minutes
Why go? Prague is known for its fairy-tale architecture, cobbled streets and rich history. Highlights include Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square. It is affordable, walkable, and packed with character.
Best for: History lovers, romantic breaks, budget travellers.
27. Ibiza, Spain
Flight time: around 2 hours
Why go? Ibiza offers far more than nightlife. Alongside famous beach clubs, you will find peaceful coves, crystal-clear water, bohemian markets and beautiful old towns like Dalt Vila. It works just as well for relaxation as it does for partying.
Best for: Beach lovers, nightlife fans, relaxed island escapes.
Read more: How to have a chilled weekend in Ibiza
